The purpose of this class is to introduce the student to the art of guitar repair and maintenance. The basic mechanics of the guitar is covered in this 2 hour class with a hands-on and observation format.

This class introduces the student to the art of setting up a guitar to play at its highest potential. Topics will include: • truss rod adjustment • action adjustment • nut adjustment • minor fret levelling • cleaning and polishing • intonation

Class 2b is a follow up class to Class 2a. This class will put to practice the information covered in Class 2a. In addition, more insight will be given into basic fret leveling, nut work and intonation/ action adjustments. NOTE: THIS IS AN OPTIONAL CLASS for the student wanting to get more experience doing set-ups under guided supervision.

The Fret Level, Crown, and Polishing class takes the student through the three parts of fret levelling. First, frets will be worked level and confirmed as such by both teacher and student. This is followed with meticulous filing of the top of each fret to establish the ‘ crown ‘or center of the fret which is very important for intonation and general playability. Finally, the frets will go through a polishing process to ensure a playing surface free of any machining abrasions. Also, a set of fret leveling tools will be made for the student to keep.

The Guitar Nut Making class will take the student through the process of crafting a new nut from raw material. The nut will be made to fit the student’s instrument which will have been evaluated to be in need of such work. The second part of the class will take the student through the entire process of making a saddle for an acoustic guitar.

This two day class will take the student through all aspects of fretwork and neck adjustment. The student will gain hands on experience in a topic often shrouded with mystery. Upon completion the participant will have a much more thorough understanding of the relationship that exists between the neck and the body of the guitar.

This class takes the student through the basics of guitar electronics. Although not a class in electronics it will nevertheless familiarize the student in reading basic guitar wiring diagrams and good solderwork. The student can choose whether to sign up for either format. Format A is a 3 hour class that will introduce the student to basics of wiring and is recommended especially for those that have never done any soldering. The student will get hands on experience with soldering , reading schematics and will learn how to diagnose components with a multimeter. A very simple circuit layout can also be completed within this class such as I pickup/1 volume and tone control plus input jack. An input jack will be provided within the cost of tuition, additional components as students cost. Format B is recommended for an beginner/intermediate level student, one that has some wiring experience. In this class which can last up to 6 hours and may require 2 meetings, the student will be taken through a complete circuit wiring. This can include mounting of new pickups and new wiring of replacement components such as 3 to 4 potentiometers, one or several switches, all necessary wire, capacitors and jack. An input jack will be provided at no extra cost. Student may purchase pickups and components through the school or bring in their own materials. NOTE: class will cover PASSIVE CIRCUIT wiring only.

This is a class that begins the Guitar Building part of the program. It will be taught by Ari Lehtela.

This is the class where the student puts it all together - woodworking, measurements,  creativity plus the know how learned from the previous classes. The master class is the actual building of the previously approved student design.